Why Arsenal can take positives from Manchester United draw

Despite taking the lead twice, Arsenal could only manage a 2-2 draw against Manchester United on Wednesday night.

Fresh from a pulsating 4-2 victory in the North London derby over the weekend, the Gunners were brought back down to earth by a determined Manchester United side. The draw was a better result for the Red Devils and their under-fire manager Jose Mourinho, who have had a difficult season to date.

However, the result was not as bad as it seemed for Arsenal.

This was the type of match that the Gunners would have lost in prior seasons under Arsène Wenger. The draw shows that this is a different Arsenal side, who have now gone 20 matches undefeated in all competitions.

In fact, Arsenal have registered four out of a possible six points in their last two matches against Tottenham and Manchester United – a scenario which at the start of the season would have been laughed at.

Unai Emery has instilled an attractive football style and the team is getting the results on the board.

Winning at Old Trafford is not an easy feat for clubs, regardless of United’s struggles. Arsenal last won at the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ in the sixth round of the FA Cup in the 2014/15 season. Their last victory at Old Trafford in the Premier League came back in the 2006/07 season, more than a decade ago.

In that match, Aliaksandr Hleb, Jens Lehmann and Freddie Ljungberg were in the Arsenal side, while Cristiano Ronaldo was one of United’s best players.

There is still plenty of time left in the season for the Gunners to step-up in the competition. The Arsenal ‘Invicibles’ did draw matches that they should have won, yet still won the title. Arsenal may not win the Premier League this season, however, they do have the quality to have a strong campaign.

The Gunners have done well thus far to be where they are under their new manager. To replace Arsène Wenger – a man who provided 22 years’ service to the club – and not fall behind the pack is a commendable effort.

Manchester United have struggled since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson and have not reached the same heights that they achieved under their long-serving manager.

Arsenal will play Manchester United again later in the season where they’ll have another chance to get the better over their rivals.

Last night’s match may not have gone as people expected, however the draw is not the worst thing in the world for the Gunners. They are 20 games unbeaten across all competitions and are playing some attractive football.